Save Article

The Embattled Faces of War

By

Richard Cork

March 11, 2014 4:46 p.m. ET

London

Ostentatious portraits of arrogant, overdressed monarchs dominate the opening room of "The Great War in Portraits," a fascinating exhibition now at the National Portrait Gallery. Kaiser Wilhelm II is here, in August Böcher's traditional painting, pompously showing off an elaborate ceremonial uniform. Frowning at us, and hiding his withered left arm in a draped tunic, this deluded kaiser personifies the imperial...